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1st - 50th Anniversary Gifts - Milestone Wedding Anniversaries By Year

Did you know that a romantic getaway is the No.1 way couples choose to celebrate their anniversary?

Here, we countdown the traditional year-by-year wedding gift list from 1 to 50 years... and provide some travel inspired gift ideas.

FAQs ABOUT BOOKING AN ANNIVERSARY GETAWAY

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1ST WEDDING ANNIVERSARY | PAPER

Congratulations, newlyweds! Can you believe it's already been a year since your big day?

After months of planning and anticipation, the first year of marriage can often feel like a blur of everyday life.

For some, it's a welcome break from the wedding stress, while others may experience a post-wedding come down. Either way, you've officially hit your first milestone as a married couple. No longer bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, you're now fully-fledged partners in life. Here's to many more happy years together!

Where to celebrate your first wedding anniversary?

Ready to celebrate your first anniversary? Traditionally, it's all about paper - representing the fresh start of your relationship. And if you're searching for a perfect way to mark the occasion, look no further than New York, home to iconic newspapers like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times.

Make your stay unforgettable by booking at the luxurious SANCTUARY HOTEL NEW YORK. They offer everything from gluten-free breakfast to VIP access to the hottest art galleries and even special surprise anniversary dinners at top-rated restaurants.

And for those who want to keep it classic, why not tour the New York Times building and snag a commemorative copy of the paper that was printed on your wedding day? It's the perfect way to blend tradition, romance, and adventure all in one amazing trip.

2ND WEDDING ANNIVERSARY | COTTON

Have you ever stopped to think about just how vital cotton is in our everyday lives?

It's so much more than just a fabric.

Cotton represents the bond between two people, just like how the threads are woven together to create a strong and flexible material. Marriage is all about adaptation and strengthening your connection, and that's exactly what cotton symbolizes. You can see it all around you, from the crisp and cosy cotton sheets in hotels to your trusty pair of jeans that make you feel unstoppable.

It's time to give cotton the recognition it deserves and celebrate this meaningful symbol of two years of marriage. Let's appreciate the impact cotton has on our daily lives and the powerful message it carries.


Where to celebrate your second year of marriage?

Did you know that Arizona is not only a renown producer of high-quality cotton... but also has one of the most romantic hotels in the whole of America? That's right, The Hermosa Inn is a stand-out boutique hotel that prides itself on being a leading destination for romance - check out the magic for yourself.

3RD WEDDING ANNIVERSARY | LEATHER

Just like leather, a marriage should be tough, resilient, and strong.

It's no wonder why leather has been used to protect things for centuries - just like how couples protect and support each other throughout their journey together.

As your love grows and deepens, a gift of leather for your third wedding anniversary is the perfect way to celebrate the strength and longevity of your relationship. Give your partner a symbol of your unbreakable bond with a timeless and durable present they'll cherish for years to come. (And vegan leather made from fruit skin is also a great alternative if you prefer).

Where to celebrate your third wedding anniversary?

Hey there stylish couple! Are you looking for a chic souvenir to commemorate your milestone together? Look no further!

How about taking a shopping adventure to Italy to pick up some timeless accessories like a pair of fine Italian leather shoes, a gorgeous handbag or a sleek belt?

Not only will you score some fashionable finds, but you'll have an unforgettable experience exploring the fashionable streets of Italy. Get ready to step up your style game and make some incredible memories in Italy.

4TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY | FRUIT & FLOWERS

Flowers are a staple gift for every romantic occasion... "Say it with flowers!"

But this time it's symbolic.

Celebrate the growth of your love and partnership after four years of marriage with this thoughtful and meaningful gift.

Where to celebrate your fourth anniversary?

From the vibrant tulips of Amsterdam to the fiery red roses of Valencia, the juicy oranges of Seville, the succulent strawberries of Devon... and even the fragrant carnations from your local petrol station (only joking!)

The possibilities are truly endless! So, go ahead and plan your next destination - the world is your oyster! Or your banana. LOL

But if you want a nudge in the right direct try Zanzibar's Fruit & Spice Wellness Resort! With its 'fitting' name and exotic assets, this five-star resort offers luxury, wellness, and authentic African fruits, flowers and nature.

5TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY | WOOD

Five whole years have passed by since you said “I do” and by now most couples have settled more comfortably into married life.

Perhaps you’ve bought your first home together, moved to a new city, or perhaps your family has grown from two to three, or four, or even more?

Chances are you’ve been through some big changes in these first few formative years of marriage and whilst they may not all have come easy, your fifth anniversary is the perfect time to look back at everything you’ve achieved together and give yourselves a pat on the back – or even better enlist the grandparents to take the kids for a weekend and book yourselves an Anniversary Break in a gorgeous hotel.


Where to celebrate your fifth wedding anniversary?

Today, wood may not be an obviously romantic gift (and we are not talking in the biblical sense here) but historically trees have long been recognised as symbols of strength and wisdom, and five years into married life couples are encouraged to celebrate the ever stronger roots of their relationship as they grow in their love and understanding of one another - mistakes, annoying habits and all.

A beautiful way to celebrate your fifth anniversary is a anniversary break at EPIC SANA Algarve where couples can mark their special romantic occasion by hanging a personalised wooden heart on the Tree of Love – a magnificent pine tree in the resort gardens – where it will hang for as long as nature allows.

6TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY | SUGAR

Hey, remember when sugar wasn't the enemy?

Well, back in the day, it was actually a symbol sweet success and of how far you've come.

Now that the tough times of early marriage are behind you... life on your 6th anniversary is truly is sweet. Agree?


Where to celebrate your sixth anniversary?

And speaking of sweet, did you know that your sixth wedding anniversary is the perfect time to indulge in some delicious treats with your partner?

Head to Yorebridge House in the stunning Yorkshire Dales. This award-winning hotel has been voted the 'Most Romantic Hotel in the UK' and even took home the Trip Advisor 'Best of the Best' award for Romance in 2022!

But more importantly you'll be seduced with decadent chocolate-dipped strawberries, and a full afternoon tea for two - making this the sweetest anniversary getaway you could wish for.

7TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY | WOOL

If you've heard of the 7-year itch - this makes total sense (if you know you know).

Alternatively - just like how wool can conduct heat...  your seven-year marriage is warm and comforting... like snuggling up with a cup of hot chocolate in bed (no hives required).

There's nothing quite like the comfort that comes from a loving partnership that's stood the test of time. So, take a moment to appreciate the cosy feeling of being with your other half and let it warm your heart.


Where to celebrate your seventh anniversary?

Looking to sweep your partner off their feet? Look no further than this romantic anniversary idea!

Purchase a luxurious woollen gift, like a cosy jumper, mittens, or scarf, (to gift on your actual anniversary), and then whisk your loved one away for a breath-taking winter escape to Dolder Grand in the Swiss Alps in Zurich.

Though the scenery alone here is enough to leave you breathless...

The reason we chose this place is because there's nothing like holding hands and gliding across Europe's largest open-air ice rink (whilst wearing your woollen anniversary souvenir).

8TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY | BRONZE

This metal is the perfect symbol of the strength of your relationship. In fact, it's a combination of two metals (copper and tin) that are even stronger together than they are individually. 

But bronze isn't just about physical strength. Traditionally, it's been said to have healing powers and represent good health.

As a couple, you provide each other with sustenance and support, and bronze is a tangible reminder of that.


Where to celebrate your eighth anniversary?

Ok - this is a little bit obvious - but bronze + travel has to equal a great tan... right?

Ready to level up your tan game? Look no further than Es Saadi Marrakech Resort.

Nestled in the heart of this resort is a luxurious palace which boasts an award-winning spa and one of the biggest swimming pools (and sunbathing spots) in Marrakech.

Toss on your sunscreen... and watch as you miraculously turn a shimmering shade of bronze in the hot African sun. (Please always use sunscreen and tan shades will differ.)

9TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY | POTTERY

Have you ever wondered why pottery is the symbol for the 9th wedding anniversary? We're not quite sure ourselves, but maybe the movie "Ghost" played a role in popularizing it in recent years?

Regardless, pottery and ceramics are amazing art forms that showcase an immense amount of skill and creativity.

And they also make one the best gifts or souvenirs to take home from any holiday or destination.


Where to celebrate your nineth anniversary?

Yorkshire has a fabulous history for pottery and ceramics.

And if you're drawn to this then we think you'll also love the many experiences on offer from Swinton Estate.

This gem has been owned by the Cunliffe-Lister family for over a century, offering visitors an unforgettable escape into nature and authentic local history. They literally display board of new adventures to chose from every day.

10TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY | TIN

10 years, a decade or 3,652 days together - your tenth anniversary is a milestone truly worthy of celebration and statistics show that couples who make it this far have a good chance of their marriage lasting the full distance.

Most of the big changes to you lives have happened and you’ve survived and come out stronger.

From here you can happily know that there are unlikely to be any nasty surprises and having learnt what works for you as a couple and a family you can look forward to living your happily ever after.


Where to celebrate your tenth wedding anniversary?

You are now the tin can of married couples! 10 years of experience has taught you how to confidently preserve your relationship and longevity is your reward.

Perhaps not the most romantic analogy but never the less this is a noble achievement that not all couples reach.

To celebrate this milestone why not take a romantic trip to Indonesia, one of the world’s largest producers of Tin, and treat yourselves to a luxury beach getaway filled with sun, sand and seclusion. We love Batu Karang Lembongan Resort & Spa an breath-taking eco-friendly resort with panoramic views of the Badung Strait and majestic Mount Agung. 

11th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY | STEEL

Traditionally, the gift for this milestone year is steel, which symbolizes durability and strength. 

You're entering a whole new level of love and trust, and what better way to celebrate than with a traditional steel gift?

Don't settle for the usual watch or cufflinks, though. There are so many unique and exciting ideas to choose from!

Where to celebrate your eleventh wedding anniversary?

Looking for the perfect steel-inspired gift? Take a trip to the Scottish border and explore the historic (and famously romantic) Gretna Green marriage rooms.

And while you're there, don't miss a visit to the Famous Blacksmiths Shop just 200 yards away... now you see the 'steel' link.

Not only will you soak up some fascinating history, but you'll also discover some amazing steel creations. It's the ideal gift for that special someone who loves thoughtful, one-of-a-kind surprises! Plus you can mark the occasion with a renewal of vows or hand-fasting ceremony.

12TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY | SILK

Silk is the perfect gift for celebrating 12 years of marriage.

Think about it, this luxurious material symbolizes protection, security, and comfort.

And a relationship that has strengthened over 12 years deserves nothing less. The threads of interwoven silk represent the bond between two people who have battled all odds and emerged victorious. So take this as a sign, and luxuriate in the finer things of life together.


Where to celebrate your twelfth wedding anniversary?

Are you ready to indulge in the luxurious and sensual?

We've found the perfect opportunity for you!

How about treating yourself to some silky pyjamas or lingerie and booking a stay at the sexiest hotel in Edinburgh? The House of Gods is waiting for you, so go ahead and indulge in decadence. You deserve it!

13TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY | LACE

The beautiful interlacing of fibres in lace symbolizes the strong bond between couples who have been married for 13 years.

It's a testament to the enduring love and connection that develops over time.

So if you're celebrating their 13th wedding anniversary, don't forget to honour the significance of lace and the special bond it represents.

Where to celebrate your thirteenth wedding anniversary?

Did you know that Venice has a rich history of lace-making? This tradition dates back to the skilled practice of making and repairing fishing nets, perfected over centuries.

The 15th century saw a rise in popularity for finished lace products from the island, especially thanks to the passion of Doge Pasquale Malipiero's wife, Giovanna Dandolo. And with this unique cultural heritage, Venice is the perfect destination for a romantic anniversary getaway.

If you're looking for a charmingly authentic hotel with a view, we highly recommend the Hotel Aquarius Venice. Located in the charming San Giacomo dell'Orio square, it even has its own private water door for you to embark on a Venetian canal adventure. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience!

14TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY | IVORY

Ivory used to be the traditional gift, but times have changed. Animal rights are a serious concern and elephants are often poached for their ivory tusks.

So, instead of promoting harmful practices, consider the elephant or the colour ivory as your anniversary theme.

You'll love the way these choices reflect the stability, patience, and dignity that come with a long-lasting marriage. 


Where to celebrate your fourteenth wedding anniversary?

Are you dreaming of a secluded getaway on ivory beaches? Look no further than The Manta Resort on Pemba Island, nestled off the coast of Africa.

This hidden gem offers the opportunity to reconnect with nature and each other, away from the chaos of everyday life.

Elevate your romantic celebrations with personalized experiences like sunset cruises and private beach dinners. And don't miss the chance to stargaze under a moonless sky or embark on a breath-taking sandbar excursion - memories to cherish forever. Escape to paradise at The Manta Resort.

15TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY | CRYSTAL

OK so you’ll remember how on your tenth anniversary you celebrated how you’d dealt with all the major life changes that married life can throw at you – moving house, babies, leaving jobs and starting new ones – and you thought that things from here on in would only get better.

Well whilst that still holds true, 15 years is the time in a marriage when an affair is most likely to happen and if it does even the strongest of couples will find their happy married world undeniably shaken.

As children are getting older and more independent ‘Mummy’ and ‘Daddy’ suddenly have the opportunity to be lovers again, roles they may have neglected as time-poor parents. The solution though is simple: rediscover romance with date nights and some adult-only fun.


Where to celebrate your fifteenth wedding anniversary?

At last an anniversary gift that feels special! Following previous gifts of paper, cotton, wool and tin, Crystal signifies that couples have now achieved something truly valuable.

Crystal is a gift that also symbolises the clarity and enlightenment that comes from 15 years of marriage.

For an unforgettable and crystal-inspired celebration couples can stay in a Glass Igloo at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort for a once-in-a-lifetime night of passion illuminated by the rainbow glow of the northern lights.

20TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY | CHINA

After twenty years together married life is generally treating you pretty well. In fact this is the time when couples can really start to reward themselves: the kids have grown up, you’ve got a bit more money in the bank and more time at your disposal to spend doing the things you enjoy both together and on your own.

You’re the couple people look to as an example of how marriage should be done! When you reach this point in your marriage, it becomes clear that love is a precious and fragile thing that you should never take for granted.

And China serves as a powerful reminder of that fact. But here's the thing: When you handle it with care, China also becomes a symbol of your relationship's unbreakable bond and undeniable strength, even after two decades together. It's a beautiful thing, really.


Where to celebrate your twentieth wedding anniversary?

Experience an exotic and romantic getaway like no other with our China-inspired bucket list trip!

Unwind on the pristine shores of Japamala Resort, nestled on the southern coast of Tioman Island, Malaysia, and bask in the stunning turquoise waters of the South China Sea.

Indulge in a heavenly utopia of white sands and palm fronds that will make your romantic occasion truly magical.

25TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY | SILVER

A quarter of a century! Twenty-five years together is a monumental milestone and one that should celebrated in style.

You are the ‘happily married couple’ that can’t imagine what life would be like without each other (even though you sometimes still drive each other mad) and most likely you’ve become the secret envy of your single or divorced friends... who know by now just what it takes to stay together this long and just how lucky you are to have someone who is there for you no matter what.

Twenty-five years together is precious and so it follows that Silver should be the symbolic gift for this occasion. 

Where to celebrate your twenty-fifth wedding anniversary?

A perfect way to celebrate this extra-special milestone is to revisit your Honeymoon destination and whether you choose to stay in the same room in the same hotel, or upgrade to a more luxurious experience if your original trip was on a budget, the memories are guaranteed to be mind-blowingly romantic.

This is also the perfect time to think about Renewing your Wedding Vows and share your celebration with your children, family and friends.


30TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY | PEARL

After thirty years of marriage you may think you’ve seen and been through it all. You’ve shared the best times of your life together and supported each other through the hardest, and you know everything there is to know about each other.

Well, put simply - NOT TRUE!

The pearl is a symbol of hidden beauty and undiscovered treasures that can secretly lie within, reminding couples to never stop exploring new depths in their relationship because there are always further riches to be found. Thirty years together gives couples plenty of past experiences to be thankful for but it also a great time to take your relationship on new journeys of discovery for the future be they geographical, spiritual or erotic. 

Where to celebrate your thirtieth wedding anniversary?

A beautiful way to celebrate this special anniversary is a tropical trip to French Polynesia and harvest their very own pearl (diving experience optional) at The Farm at Bora Bora Pearl Company to take home the ultimate souvenir of their pearl anniversary.

Other pearl inspired destinations include Australia, China and Japan.

35TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY | CORAL

Hey lovebirds! As time brings you closer together, taking care of your health together becomes super important.

That's probably why coral symbolizes a 35th wedding anniversary! Back in the day, people believed coral had magical powers to protect against sickness and danger - pretty cool, right?

Protect the coral, protect your love - win, win!


Where to celebrate your thirty-fifth wedding anniversary?

Did you know that Belize boasts the second largest coral reef in the world?

And if that's not captivating enough, picture yourself surrounded by picturesque views of lush jungles and glistening Caribbean waters - the ultimate tropical paradise.

Head to Sirenian Bay Resort & Villas and let yourself be swept away by the luxury experience of an all-inclusive stay. Located on the stunning Placencia Peninsula in Belize, our boutique property offers an intimate and romantic setting perfect for couples looking to escape and indulge in some much-needed pampering during their well-deserved anniversary vacation. 

40TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY | RUBY

Did you know that only half of all couples reach their 40th wedding anniversary? So, if you're lucky enough to hit this milestone, celebrate with a meaningful and beautiful gift.

Enter the ruby...the stunning gemstone known for its deep red hue and symbolic association with love.

It's the perfect way to show your eternal passion and commitment to your partner. 


Where to celebrate your fortieth wedding anniversary?

Have you ever wondered where the best rubies come from? Look no further than Burma (Myanmar)!

But that's not all - this precious gemstone is also found in various other countries like Afghanistan, Australia, and Cambodia. From India to Vietnam, the list goes on for all the places where these stunning gems can be mined.

Our top recommendation for a 40th anniversary trip is Antara Cruises. They offer award-winning river cruises and tailor-made romantic celebrations along the holy Ganges River in Kolkata, India. You can relax and enjoy the luxury of their all-suite voyager vessels as you take in the scenic beauty of the Ganges. Plus, Antara Cruises is committed to supporting local communities and preserving the environment. 

50TH ANNIVERSARY - GOLD

So you’ve reached the Holy Grail of anniversaries and after 50 years together you are more in love than on the day you got married.

No doubt the world has changed a lot since then and you’re most likely now the proud grandparents of a whole new generation.

Wow, congratulations! You rock romance!!!  

How to celebrate your fiftieth wedding anniversary?

You are married couple royalty and only Gold could rightly symbolise the wealth and prosperity of the love you have achieved together.

Celebrate with family and friends as they toast to your good health and many more years of happiness together.


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